The action irritated me and created the same discussion in my household but below is the excerpt from Kim’s side:

We discuss the fact that judge Peter Green has dismissed two dogs from the ring because their handlers used to work for him. Wouldn’t you know that ahead of time and send in a different handler? Maybe it’s against the rules to change handlers. Stupid rules, if that’s the case. What’s the point of winning your breed if you know your dog is going to be excused from the ring because he has the wrong handler? Maybe someone can clear this up for me. Read more from Kim about the Westminster Dog Show

If you clear it up for her, clear it up for me too!

2-13-2009:

Here is the clarification on the Westminster Dog Show Excusal by Peter Green:

The dogs were excused from the ring–which is different from being dismissed.

Comments

I think there should be backup judges just for cases like this. It’s so hard to get so close to winning it all, why shouldn’t the judge dismiss HIMSELF? Because of HIM, two dogs and thier handlers lost the chance of a lifetime!

the judges are sequestered so they don’t which dogs they will be judging. i don’t know about changing handlers. it wasn’t explained very well by david frei. i don’t think i’ve ever seen that happen before – david talked about the integrity of the sport – makes me wonder if judges have judged other dogs who should have been dismissed. it stinks for the dog and handler that get bounced.

A breed win at Westminster is one of the most prestigeous honors a show dog can achieve . And Lucas and Romeo just did that. Both of them were the #1 ranked in their breeds for 2008.

Westminster is the greatest showcase for dogs and a great promotion for pure breed dogs and the people involve with the sport. To show a dog there or judge at the show is a great thrill.

Due to a conflict of interest where the handler and the dogs work and or live at a kennel that is leased from the group judge in this case configure the conflict.

At least, the two champions had the right to compete for the best of breed class under different judges and win. Therefore their eligibility to be seen at the terrier group representing their breeds but not been able to compete in name of fairness.

This may had been the first time this situation presents itself at Westminster but not on regular shows where the dogs may simply be withdrawn from the group ring altogether.

Mr. Green is one of the most respected and knowledgeable terrier people in the world and every exhibitor and public in general awaited for his opinion on that night a thrill and an honor for the competitors who were lucky enough to get before him. Such thrill Lucas and Romeo were able to briefly share at the Westminster ring. Next to the rest of the champions celebrating the sportsmanship of the dog world.